used, and the accuracy with which the calcula-
tions are done.
Energy intake
Since energy intake is one part of the energy
balance equation, knowing total energy intake
will give some indication of TDEE if body weight
is stable. The assessment of dietary records is one
of the most frequently used procedures for moni-
toring the energy and nutrient intakes of athletes.
The goal of assessing dietary intake is to achieve
the most accurate description of the athlete’s
typical food intake. This information is then used
to assess mean energy intake and composition of
the diet, make recommendations for improving
food habits and adjusting energy intake, and
determine the need for micronutrient supple-
ments while dieting.
methods for collecting energy
and nutrient intake data
For the athlete with limited time and skills for
recording food intake, retrospective methods,
such as 24-h diet recalls, food frequency ques-
tionnaires or diet histories, can be used. If
more specific energy or nutrient intake data are
needed, food records or weighed food records
should be used. Deciding which method to use
will depend on the capabilities and dedication
of the athlete, and the detail and specificity of
the data required by the sports medicine team
(Dwyer 1999).
The diet record is probably the most frequently
used method for assessing the energy and nutri-
ent intake of athletes. A diet record is a list of all
food consumed over a specified time, such as 3–7
days. To more accurately predict energy and
nutrient intakes, it is best if foods consumed can
be weighed or measured, labels of convenience
foods saved, and all supplements recorded from
the label. This method also allows for the gather-
ing of more in-depth information such as the
time, place, feelings, and behaviours associated
with eating. The dietitian working with the
athlete can review the diet record to ensure its
accuracy. A primary drawback of this method is
the tendency for individuals to change their
‘typical eating habits’ on days they record food
intake. This method is also more time consuming
than a 24-h recall; thus, the accuracy of the diet
record depends on the individual’s cooperation
and skill in recording foods properly.
How many days must be recorded to give an
accurate picture of an athlete’s diet? Diet records
lasting from 3 to 14 days will provide good esti-
mates of energy and nutrient intakes (Schlundt
1988). Within this range, reliability and accuracy
appear to increase with each additional day up to
7 days. Thus, a 7-day diet record can give accu-
rate data for energy and most nutrients. One
advantage of the 7-day diet record is that it
encompasses all the days of the week, including
the dietary changes that frequently occur on
weekends and the athlete’s weekly training
routine. The disadvantage of this method is that
as the number of days increases, so does the
respondent burden. If only 3–4-day diet records
are used, care should be taken in choosing which
days will be recorded.Practical guidelines for achieving a
competitive body weight
For the overweight athlete, any weight loss
attempt should be aimed at achieving a competi-
tive body weight and composition that is optimal
for performance and health. What is an optimal
body weight for performance? How is this
number determined? Who determines this goal?
These are difficult questions that need to be
addressed by the athlete in consultation with the
sports medicine team before a weight loss pro-
gramme can begin. If the athlete is young and
still growing, these questions are even harder.
Table 35.1 gives ranges of relative body fat levels
for elite athletes in various sports; Berning and
Steen (1998) also give body fat and V.
o2max.data
for athletes of varying ages. These ranges,
however, do not take into account individual
variability regarding body fat and performance.
In addition, some athletes will perform at their
best outside of these ranges. Remember that a